by Ted Berg, USA TODAY Sports

by Ted Berg, USA TODAY Sports

After Monday's announcement that New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez will appeal his 211-game suspension from Major League Baseball following the Biogenesis investigation, all-time hits leader Pete Rose - the only living person banned from baseball - reiterated his message to the star.

"We have to get these people to understand that if you make mistakes, people will forgive you if you come forward," Rose told USA TODAY Sports by phone on Tuesday. "Don't do like I did. Don't do like (Ryan) Braun did. Don't do like A-Rod did.

"I wish I had come forward a long time ago. Some guys came forward, like (Jason) Giambi, like (Andy) Pettitte. And they went on with their lives. They're playing and they're making good money, and there's no shadow upon them right now."

Rose, who was suspended in 1989 for gambling on games he managed with the Cincinnati Reds in 1987 and 1988, has maintained a relationship with Rodriguez since the two met in Las Vegas several years ago.

"He's like the rest of us," Rose said. "He's made some major mistakes and he's trying to go on with his life. He's in a tough position, I think, with this appeal and with the lawyers telling him to do this, and do that."

Rose said he understood why Rodriguez would appeal and believes it is fair for Rodriguez to continue playing through the appeals process.

"It sounds to me like he thinks he got a lot more than Ryan Braun, and basically he might have done the same thing," he said. "Baseball and the players association have rules. If you stay within the rules -- which say that you can play while you're appealing -- I don't see what anyone would be in arms about.

"I hope he has a good ending of the season, just for his sake â?? just for peace of mind for him."

Rose also believes Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz and Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta should be eligible to play during the 2013 playoffs should their teams qualify.

"If you get a three-month suspension for driving while you're intoxicated, you can drive at three months and one day," he said. "If they're suspended 50 days, and they do their 50 days, they should be able to play on their 51st day. If they didn't want them to play, they should've given them 65 days."